Question

Are there decisions regarding the WIC program that can be made that are more impactful that the inclusion of the white potato? What foods should be included or excluded?

Answer 1

Answer;

Nutrition programme for women, infants and children is WIC and it is a nutritional assistance programme for below poverty line families. It focus on nutritional needs of women, infant, pregnant women, breast feeding and post partin women, antinatal women and children. Dietary guidelines of WIC not added white potato in their guidelines because white potatoes are plentiful, inexpensive and can offer pottasium and fibre is consumed with skin on, but compared to other nutrient dense vegetable, they are limited benefit, especially in nutritionally vulnerable population. They should not added to the WIC package or included within the basket of fruits and vegetables.

The exclusion of white potatoes from WIC makes sense.Pregnant women, new mother's and their childrens derive the greatest health benefits from eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. But white potatoes contain some important nutrients and dietary fibre, there are many other vegetables source of not only these nutrients especially dietary fibre but many other under consumed nutrients as well . High nutrient beneficiary body building food should be included in the diet. The food items provided by WIC are juice ( single strength), milk, breakfast cereal, cheese, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, whole grain items, fish, legumes and peanut butter. The full package provide participant choice and variety. Food such as brown rise, soy based beverage , canned salmon, and a wide choice if fruits and vegetables are included. Organic fruits, vegetables, grains, organic milk, cheese,peanut butter are not covered under this programme.